Apple v. Motorola case to be 100% dismissed

As Sheldon Cooper might put it, the unending bouts of litigation in the consumer electronics world sometimes looks like an “un-unravelable” web of nonsense, but there are times when some sort of legitimate, concrete, “anyone can understand this” kind of progress is made in the complicated legal environment. This is one of those times. The two-year old Apple/Motorola patent lawsuit has been dismissed.

Or, at least, it will be, following all the tedious paperwork and procedures. It was something that Judge Richard Posner wanted to make absolutely clear. This case was brought by Apple, which had accused Motorola of violating no fewer than four of its patents. Motorola made a retaliatory countersuit claiming Apple was violating one of its patents. The entire lawsuit, which has been in litigation in 2010, will be dropped because Apple has no case, the judge said.

Motorola released this comment: “We are pleased that Judge Posner formally dismissed the case against Motorola Mobility. Apple’s litigation campaign began with their attempt to assert 15 patents against us. As it relates to Apple’s violation of our patents, we will continue our efforts to defend our own innovation.” Although this may seem like the end, Apple does have the option to appeal.